The Frankfurt motor show is traditionally one of the biggest events on the motoring calendar, and this year is no exception, with game-changing unveilings expected from Porsche, Volkswagen, Land Rover and more. Especially notable this year is a heightened emphasis on new electric cars. As well as the Volkswagen ID 3, we’ll also get a look at the Honda E, Porsche Taycan, Peugeot e-2008 and others as manufacturers hit the ground running with plans for universal electrification. That being said, there will no doubt be quite a crowd gathered around conventionally fuelled new cars like the Land Rover Defender, Audi RS7 and BMW X6. We’ve been getting ready for the show, and have compiled a list of all the important models we’re expecting to see when the doors open on 12 September. We’ll be updating it as we learn more, so keep an eye on our complete rundown to ensure you don’t miss a thing: Audi RS6 Audi Sport’s flagship wagon will retain its twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 as it moves into a fourth generation for 2020, with power upgraded to around 605bhp to take on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5. Expect visual differences over the standard A6 to include trademark chunkier wheel arches, larger air intakes and bigger wheels. RS7 Sportback The new RS7 Sportback will be the hero car for Audi Sport’s range of performance models, sharing a 600bhp-plus V8 with the RS6. As with the outgoing variant, power will be sent to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while an 80kg weight loss should bring subtle performance gains. A3 Audi will introduce the fourth generation of its popular A3 in 2020 and is expected to show off the Volkswagen Golf rival at Frankfurt. Its launch has been pushed back due to Audi’s struggles with WLTP emissions testing and a heightened focus on EV development, but the company promises the new A3 will be the most advanced car in its segment and set new standards of refinement. S8, SQ8 and Q7 facelift We’ll also get our first in-the-metal look at the S8 performance saloon, one of only two models in Audi’s S range to retain a petrol powerplant, as well as the new SQ8 hot SUV and facelifted Q7 seven-seater. BMW X6 The recently revealed third-generation X6 will make its public debut in Frankfurt before it enters UK showrooms, priced from around £63,000. The coupé-style high-rider’s looks have been brought into line with the brand’s current design language, and a refreshed range of powertrain options is headed up by a 523bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 yielding a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.3sec and a limited 155mph top speed. Vision M Next The Vision M concept is BMW’s idea of what a comeback for the M1 supercar of 1978 might look like. Previewing a production sports car tipped to arrive before 2025, the Vision M packs a 591bhp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that’s also destined to appear in more mainstream BMW M performance models further down the line. Cupra Electric concept Seat’s newly hived-off performance brand Cupra will show off a concept version of its first EV, which will take the form of a coupé-style SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s universal MEB architecture. Previews show a rakish roofline, angular front end and distinctive headlight design, implying it will be a performance-oriented reworking of the Seat el-Born electric hatchback. Honda The Honda E electric city car was first revealed in 95%-production-ready prototype guise at the Geneva motor show in March, but it’s finally ready to emerge in its final form before customer deliveries begin next year. Expect little to change in the way of styling, with more than 6000 UK buyers alone having already expressed interest in buying an E. Hyundai Electric racer Frankfurt will see the unveiling of Hyundai’s first all-electric race car, which has been developed in Germany and previewed in a series of videos posted to the firm’s Twitter feed. Details remain scarce, but the new model is likely to be based on the existing i30 N TCR customer racer. Last year, rival firm Cupra revealed early details of the 670bhp Seat Leon-based e-Racer, to enter an upcoming electric touring car race series, which Hyundai is also expected to support. i10 Heavily disguised prototypes of Hyundai’s new i10 supermini maintain the Volkswagen Up rival’s compact footprint and appear to show a subtle evolution of its design, rather than a radical overhaul. It’s not yet known whether Hyundai is bringing a production-ready model or a concept to Frankfurt, but we expect the new i10 to share a platform with the latest Kia Picanto and offer a range of small-capacity petrol engines. Lamborghini Hybrid hypercar Lamborghini is readying a replacement for its Aventador flagship for 2020, and reports suggest it will be previewed by a low-volume, £2 million hybridised hypercar being revealed at Frankfurt. Prospective buyers got a look at the new model last year,
Origin: Updated: Frankfurt motor show 2019 preview
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Street-racing Dodge Vipers in B.C. show off more horsepower than skill
In this week’s installment of “Just Because You Can Afford the Car, Doesn’t Mean You Can Drive It,” we have an offering from Surrey, B.C. RCMP there will be using video posted to Twitter to track down what happened when two Dodge Vipers went head-to-head – almost literally – in a drag start off a light gone wrong. The video, posted Monday evening, reveals two freaked-out people in the car with the camera.The red Viper, to the right, takes a left turn into the black Viper almost directly off the light. Maybe one driver thought he was at a drag strip, the other at NASCAR? Either way, all that throttle was under a very inexperienced foot.Warning: The video features foul language.Watch the clip: you can hear the unmistakable sound of two high-powered cars acknowledging their intent as the light turns green. B.C., like many jurisdictions, is introducing more speed cameras and harsher penalties, and much of it is because of drivers like these. These two clowns were on Highway 10, but as you can see, this route is in Surrey at an intersection and is much more residential than freeway. The fact they’re doing this at 7 pm makes it lethal to more than just the idiots behind the wheels of the two cars.While police aren’t saying at this point if the vehicles were racing or not (they didn’t get far enough off the light before the red Viper handed in his race card) they are saying they will be analyzing the footage taken from a car behind the crash. Just another reminder everything you do is no doubt being recorded, and will be used against you.Take it to the track,
Origin: Street-racing Dodge Vipers in B.C. show off more horsepower than skill
2021 Mercedes-Benz EQ S: new prototypes show design
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to take on the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan and the next-gen Jaguar XJ with the plush new EQ S electric saloon, which has now been spotted testing in near-production form for the first time. The latest addition to Mercedes’ EQ electric vehicle line-up will join the EQ C SUV and a production version of the EQ A hatchback concept in showrooms in 2021. According to company officials, its name implies a level of luxury, comfort and features consummate to the company’s traditional S-Class saloon. The EQ S heads what the engineering boss of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ sub-brand, Michael Kelz, suggests will be a 10-strong electric vehicle model range by the middle of the next decade. But in a departure from the EQ C, which is based on existing underpinnings from the GLC, and the EQ A, which is set to adopt a modified A-class platform, the range-topping EQ S will be the first EQ model to be based on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated MEA (modular electric architecture). Among the key engineering solutions included in the aluminium-intensive MEA platform is a flat floor structure. These most recent EQ S prototypes confirm the production shape of the future flagship. It is described as being between roughly the size of the third-generation CLS. In terms of proportions, it uses a much shorter bonnet and more heavily raked windscreen than the current S-Class. In combination with the flat floor structure and a close to three-metre-long wheelbase as well as less intrusion from the gearbox and transmission tunnel than in conventional combustion engine models, this is expected to provide the EQ S with greater interior space than the existing Mercedes-Benz range-topper. The heavily curved roofline and relatively shallow glasshouse is similar to that seen on the latest CLS. The fastback-style rear houses a liftback-style bootlid similar to that fitted to the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door. The EQ S is expected to be powered by twin electric motors – one acting on the front axle and the other at the rear – providing permanent four-wheel drive. In the upcoming EQ C, this set-up delivers more than 400bhp and some 516lb ft. A lithium-ion battery boasting a capacity of around 90kWh is planned to provide a range of between 400 and 500km (248-311 miles). Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the EQ S will be produced at its main Sindelfingen factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart. It is the third German plant earmarked to produce an EQ model, with the EQ C set to be built in Bremen and the EQ A planned to hail from the company’s compact car plant in Rastatt. An additional EQ model, likely a yet-to-be-revealed GLB-based EQ B SUV model positioned below the EQ C, will also be produced at the Smart factory in Hambach,
Origin: 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQ S: new prototypes show design
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019: show report and gallery
They said it would be different for 2019, and it was. Since the Goodwood Festival of Speed began its relentless climb 26 years ago towards today’s status as Europe’s — possibly the world’s — greatest motoring and motorsport festival, this event has faced many calls to keep new interest coming without damaging a much-loved formula – to refresh as well as reassure. The Duke of Richmond and his henchmen usually manage it; this year, they managed it big-time. The major addition was a big arena where the Cathedral Paddock used to be, a new venue for all manner of drifting demos, motorcycle action and stunt driving. The noise and crowds made it obvious that this was an important element the festival had previously lacked – and the spectacular, unruly and deafening appearance of drift cars on the main track, several times a day, advertised their presence. The main track action – from rumbling antiques to tyre-smoking racers, from rally cars to new(ish)-spec Formula 1 cars – was more or less non-stop, including on a streaming wet Sunday morning and early afternoon. Goodwood doesn’t stop for anyone. All the stalwart attractions were there, but there was expansion and improvement for most, such as the First Glance Paddock, whose roll-call of new models has become as important as that of the Supercar Paddock, and an improved, expanded Future Lab to show off our connected, electrified future, much of it being designed in the UK. However, it was the extraordinary roll-call of new car models that really took centre stage this year. Aston Martin had pride of place as the event’s headline sponsor, feted via a typically gigantic Gerry Judah central sculpture that hefted a DBR1 60ft into the air to commemorate the marque’s Goodwood race debut 70 years ago. The place was practically poulticed with new Astons — the Rapide AMR, the electric Rapide E, numerous Zagato variants and, best of all, the mighty £250,000 DBS Superleggera Volante. Other supercar brands were everywhere, Ferrari very prominent with the P80/C track special. Other debuts ideal for the Goodwood scene were Radical’s new road-going Rapture and the rare, harder-core BAC Mono R. Mercedes-AMG had a new, 415bhp A45, Mini was there with its new British-built electric car and Ford had the Puma compact crossover (in which it’s investing much hope) plus the very surprising Ranger Raptor pick-up truck. Mark Webber appeared on the hill in a lightly disguised Porsche Taycan and Honda demonstrated its tiny e prototype at the other end of the electric scale. But carrying the EV gauntlet was the astounding Volkswagen ID R, which broke the hillclimb record that had stood for two decades in near-silence. Of course, there were plenty of anniversaries beyond Aston Martin’s. Goodwood honoured the career of Michael Schumacher by running several of his most successful F1 single-seaters on the hill – and producing team leaders of the time, Jean Todt and Luca di Montezemolo, to lend gravitas. Jackie Stewart’s career was also celebrated, with the champion driving several championship-winning single-seaters himself and watching while others were paraded. A fleet of Pagani Zondas and Huayras was on hand, because it’s now 20 years since the first. And Citroën drew attention to its centenary with the very different, very Citroën 19_19 concept for a comfortable electric touring car. There was much, much more. More stuff than ever that was spectacular and new. Under the circumstances, it was next-to-impossible to choose a star of this remarkable British motor show (which is what it has become), but maybe the new De Tomaso company, now under Hong Kong ownership, aced it with the magnificent-looking P72. For sheer old-school beauty, the De Tomaso stood out from a packed field simply because of a wonderfully balanced, beautifully curvaceous shape considerably at odds with a surrounding field of supercar shapes that seemed chiseled and brutal. It all served to prove, as so many things did over this extraordinary weekend, that cars are still loveable, amazing and awe-inspiring in every form imaginable. If the Goodwood Festival of Speed has one abiding mantra that has so far lasted 26 years, this is it. All our posts and social highlights can be found on the Autocar Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds, where we’ve kept all three updated throughout the weekend. All the cars revealed at Goodwood 2019 One of the biggest reasons so many people come to Goodwood every year? The huge list of new models on show, either on static display or being driven flat out up the hillclimb. Here’s a list of everything revealed so far, as well as what’s due to make an appearance across the weekend: Airspeeder flying car Developed by Australian start-up Alauda Racing, the Airspeeder is a vision of what the world’s first flying car race series could look like. The Mk. II Speeder is performing its first public display flights at the Goodwood Aerodrome, while the company’s new
Origin: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019: show report and gallery
New Bentley Flying Spur: 207mph luxury sports saloon on show at Goodwood
The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur will represent a “quantum leap in technology, performance and innovation” over its predecessor, according to the Crewe-based maker. The goal for the model – which follows the Bentley Bentayga and Continental GT in the sales rankings and makes its public debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed – is to offer sports saloon agility paired with limousine refinement so that it caters to both drivers and those being chauffeured. The latter is a crucial selling point for the Flying Spur in China, which is the largest market for the model alongside the US. Bentley claims that the new Flying Spur “owes only its name to its predecessor” – alluding to its new chassis, suspension, W12 engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Much of the new Flying Spur’s set-up and componentry is shared with the Continental GT, launched last year. However, despite the Flying Spur and Continental’s identical underpinnings, including the MSB platform that is also shared with Porsche’s Panamera, Bentley has sought to differentiate the two cars not only through the difference in body shape but also a number of finer design details both inside and out. The Flying Spur will launch with Bentley’s familiar range-topping twin-turbocharged W12 engine, reworked for this generation. The 6.0-litre unit produces 626bhp and 664lb ft of torque, accelerating the car from 0-60mph in 3.7sec, 0.7sec faster than its predecessor. The top speed is 207mph. It is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission promised to deliver “smooth and refined acceleration, quicker gearshifts and improved fuel economy”. The engine combines high-pressure and low-pressure fuel injection, intended to maximise refinement, lower particulate emissions and optimise power and torque delivery. The new model reaches a peak torque of 664lb ft at 1350rpm, compared with the previous generation’s 590lb ft at 2000rpm. The unit also uses a variable displacement system that can shut down half the cylinders, making it more efficient below 3000rpm. After the W12 launches, an entry-level V8 will be added to the range. A V6 petrol-powered plug-in hybrid will complete the powertrain line-up. This, Bentley’s second hybrid, will follow the Bentayga Hybrid, which launches in August. The Flying Spur pioneers all-wheel steering for Bentley, a system that is promised to enhance stability at high speeds and manoeuvrability around town. The rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, reducing the turning circle and making parking easier. At higher speeds, the rear wheels stay in the same direction as the front wheels, as a means of improving stability. While the second-generation Flying Spur had all-wheel drive, the new model introduces an active system that favours rear-wheel drive to improve the car’s handling but will also send torque to the front axle automatically as needed. Bentley said the front end of the car feels “much lighter” as a result. Other features already seen on the Continental include Bentley’s Dynamic Ride System, a 48V electric active roll control system and three-chamber air springs containing 60% more air volume than the previous single-chamber springs, resulting in a chassis set-up for all types of driving. Torque distribution varies according to the drive setting. In Comfort and Bentley modes, up to 354lb ft is sent to the front axle. In Sport mode, torque to the front axle is limited to 206lb ft to achieve a more dynamic feel. The model also has a torque-vectoring-by-brake system. The Flying Spur gets a longer wheelbase than its predecessor – the front wheels move forward by 130mm, creating a shorter overhang and more interior space – but its overall proportions are similar to the outgoing car’s. While the outgoing model and the new Continental have a matrix grille, the new Flying Spur adds vanes to the grille “to make the car look more majestic”, said design director Stefan Sielaff, and to pay homage to WO Bentley’s 8 Litre model from 1930. The matrix remains behind the vanes for cooling purposes. The Flying B mascot has been redesigned for Bentley’s centenary year. It is the marque’s first-ever electronically powered, retracting Flying B – the existing emblem on the Mulsanne is manually adjusted – and even gets illuminated wings. The headlights and ‘B’ graphic tail-lights have the same crystal-cut-effect LEDs as found on the Continental. Standard wheels are 21in, but 22in Mulliner rims – the biggest yet offered on a Flying Spur – are available. Inside, the Flying Spur has the familiar double-wing theme in the front, and uses the well-received rotating display including the 12.3in touchscreen first launched on the Continental. The second side of the display has three customisable digital dials and the third side continues the wood veneer around the cabin. There is a different central console to the Continental featuring two
Origin: New Bentley Flying Spur: 207mph luxury sports saloon on show at Goodwood
Car show season heats up in B.C.
This Celica GTS was fan favourite at the recent Wednesday Night Drift Drags at Mission Raceway Park.Cam Hutchins Last weekend is a blur, though I do recall it actually started on Wednesday at the Drift Drags in Mission when I tried to enter my old Chevy. I was ready to go with money for entry, no antifreeze in the radbut I was wearing shorts. You dont need a helmet for these slow old vehicles, but turns out you do need long pants!It wasnt a wasted journey though as I had fun shooting photos of the drifting, and really enjoyed watching a cool gunmetal blue Toyota Celica GTS that was very similar to one I recently sold. Toyota spent a bunch of money designing an independent rear suspension to keep these cars from having their backends kick outand now it is a sport. Longtime hot rodder John Chace was there to watch his grandson who is one of the very talented drifters from around here.Last Saturday I was at the big KMS show, and was delighted in the number trucks in attendance. Probably the coolest truck there, apart from my 1966 Green C-10 Chevy with new hubcaps, was the Bissonettes 1969 Ford F-250 Camper Special pickup. The truck was ordered with Duo-tone Paint for an extra $70, but due to a Ford Factory error it got the Tri-tone paint at no extra charge. The truck cost $4,870 new at Suburban Motors in Victoria and has been lovingly cared for for half a century. Another cool truck that could be from a science fiction movie from the Fifties is Ron Bakers 1942 WC-6 ton Dodge Command Car. It is the only one in Canada and will be at the Cloverdale Legion this weekend at the military vehicle display.In terms of classic cars, Stan Karras notchback 1968 Shelby tribute car was a real head turner. He told me it was based on the Green Hornet EXP-500 Shelby Prototype that was first used as the prototype for the California Special. An Independent rear suspension was added and Conelec fuel-injection system to become a Shelby IRS prototype. Karras took his tribute one step closer than most as he added the in independent rear suspension from a late-model Shelby GT 500.This weekend Im in a parade in Vancouvers West Side on Saturday and on Sunday I will most likely head out to Chilliwack and then to the Strong Car Clubs 3rd Stay Gold Custom Car Show, which supports the work the Langley Community Services Society does for people with mental illness. Whenever I think of the Strong Car Club I think of the big grin on Ken Laviolettes face when he would tell me of the work he had done on a car he was finishing. Kens memory will be very strong at this car showplease attend and help support this worthy cause.And bring a kid along, even though it is at a school!SHOWSJUNE 21What: Kitimat Show ShineWhere: Tamitik Arena, KitimatWhen: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $10 and open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles.Info: 250-639-2621, derickstinson@gmail.com or kitimatcarshow@gmail.comJUNE 21-22What: 14th Annual Burns Lake Show ShineWhere: Burns LakeWhen: Friday evening cruise. 5 p.m. at CNC Parking Lot; Saturday show at Burns Lake Spirit Square, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by Poker RunAdmission: FreeRegistration: Saturday 10 a.m. $10 and open to all makes and models.Info: 250-692-6035 or katherine.mcphail@hotmail.comJUNE 21-23What: Annual Peach City Beach CruiseWhere: PentictonWhen: Friday Beach to Peach Parade; Saturday car show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday awards and O.S.N.S. motorcycle raffle drawAdmission: FreeInfo: 250-487-2303 or info@peachcitybeachcruise.comWebsite: peachcitybeachcruise.comJUNE 22What: Cloverdale Legion Open House Military Vehicle DisplayWhere: 17567 57th Ave., CloverdaleWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: Donations acceptedRegistration: Open to all military vehiclesInfo: 778-955-9111 or cmec.events@shaw.caWebsite: cloverdale-ae.ca/market-days.htmlWhat: Cruiser Days Show ShineWhere: Hougen Park, Abbotsford,When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $10 and open to Toyota 4WD vehicles onlyInfo: 604-309-5233 or robert@ajae.caWebsite: coastalcruisers.caJUNE 23What: Strong Car Clubs 3rd Stay Gold Custom Car ShowWhere: H.D. Stafford Middle School, 20441 Grade Cr., LangleyWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: $3Registration: 9 a.m. $25 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-418-7121 or 1001surf@gmail.comWebsite: staygoldcustomcarshow.comWhat: 6th Annual Vancouver Vintage Motorcycle Show ShineWhere: Deeley Exhibition, 1875 Boundary Rd.When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.admission: FreeRegistration: 10 a.m. $10 and open to pre-90s motorcyclesInfo: 604-293-2221 or info@deeleyexhibition.caWebsite: deeleyexhibition.caWhat: 16th Annual Fortins Village Classic Car ShowWhere: Downtown ChilliwackWhen: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $10 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-792-4576 or info@downtownchilliwack.comWebsite: downtownchilliwack.comWhat: VCCC Victoria Chapter Swap MeetWhere: Saanichton Fairgrounds, SaanichtonWhen: Gates open at 7 a.m.Admission: $2Info: 250-818-5310,
Origin: Car show season heats up in B.C.
Take your dad to a car show this Father’s Day
The Italian/French car show at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver is one of many taking place on Sunday across the province in honour of dads.Cam Hutchins With Sunday being Father’s Day we certainly have a great selection of shows taking place across the province this weekend. Victoria, Trail, Qualicum, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon, and even Radium, the car events make this one of the greatest weekends of the year. And as always, I’ll be at the KMS Tools show in Coquitlam, and on Father’s Day proper it will be out to the big show in Mission to take photos. I love shooting the cars in motion and the Old Car Sunday in the Park in Mission is an amazingly large show with a huge variety of vehicles. In addition to your camera (and a kid, of course) take sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Last weekend I was at the Centennial Show Shine at my old school and ended up parking beside the “Poster Child” for bring your kid to a car show. Gord Odolinski has been driving his very cool Chevy shortbox pickup for years and almost always has his two sons with him. He came up to me and gave me an incredibly nice chrome hubcap, era correct for my ’66 Chevy truck. He claimed to have found it in a ditch, but it was way too nice. Then his younger son Trevor came up with a matching hubcap upside down and said, “Please sir, may I have some water in my dog dish hubcap for my dog”. These type of hubcaps are often referred to as “Dog Dish” and are what went on plain Jane models of cars and truck in the 60’s. Then his wife and older son Brendan show up with two more perfect hubcaps. He had a friend who had bought a truck to restore, but sadly it was too far gone for restoration and Gord was able to get me the caps for free. Brenden had years ago told me I had a nice truck, but added the early 1970’s hubcaps I had on it were “so wrong”. Now thanks to the Odolinski’s my truck is perfect! On Saturday I went out to the Langley Loafers Old Time Drags at Mission Speedway Park and walked through the pits while waiting for the racing to fire up. Everyone relies on Barry and Shelley Siebert’s mini donuts to keep going while at the track and not only did the couple recently get a new mini donut machine — they got a new racecar too. Barry grinned ear to ear when he told me he had never gone so fast in his life; a great run of 9.98 seconds at 134.28 mph in his Mopar Monster. This afternoon at the Sheraton in Langford, just outside Victoria, is the book launch of “Billy Foster The Victoria Flash”, plus a walk through the history of motor racing in British Columbia. Author Bob Kehoe of Portland will be signing copies and a there will be a few speeches about the history of racing in and around our province’s capital city. Billy Foster started racing at the local Speedway, was the first Canadian to race in the Indy 500, raced USAC Stock Car Division and was a good friend of Mario Andretti. Foster died in a tragic crash testing at the Riverside Raceway in California in 1967. There will be two of Foster’s race cars on display, one used at the Mt. Doug Hill Climbs, and the other the Indy car Billy raced at the Indy 500, both restored by Gord Alberg, a friend of Billy Foster. I for one cannot think of a better Fathers Day present than this book. Other highlights of this weekend are the Italian and French Father’s Day show in North Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Society’s Father’s Day Car Show at the Burnaby Heritage Village. And don’t forget to bring a kid — and your father! SHOWS JUNE 14 What: Billy Foster- The Victoria Flash book launch party Where: Langford Sheraton, 829 McCallum Rd., Langford When: 1 p.m. Admission: Free Info: 250-216-6575, 250-818-4150 or trakside99@shaw.ca JUNE 14 16 What: Seaside Cruizers 25th Annual Father’s Day Show Shine Where, Qualicum Beach When: Friday Cruise Night. Parksville Beach staging at 5 p.m., cruise starts at 7 p.m.; Saturday Poker Run from Parksville Beach. Staging at 9 a.m., departure at 11 a.m. Saturday Street Dance, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. downtown Qualicum Beach; Sunday Show Shine, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Downtown Qualicum Beach Admission: Free Info: 250-752-0012 or info@seasidecruizers.com Website: http://www.seasidecruizers.com JUNE 15 What: KMS Tools 24th Annual Charity Show Shine Where: KMS Tools, 110 Woolridge St., Coquitlam When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. $15 and open to pre-‘72 or rare/unusual Info: 604-522-5599 or lori.pridham@kmstools.com Website: kmstools.com What: Driven Vancouver 2019 Where: PNE Forum, Vancouver When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $20 Info: 780-910-6266 or info@repmedia.ca Website: drivenshow.ca What: BC Highland Games Scottish Festival British Car Show Where: Lafarge Lake Park, Coquitlam When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Sir/students $12; Youth (6-12) $5 Info: simon.scott43@me.com Website: bchighlandgames.com What: Fraser Valley Motorcycle Show Shine Where: Highstreet Mall, Abbotsford
Origin: Take your dad to a car show this Father’s Day
Volvo and Uber show off production-ready self-driving vehicle
Following two years of collaboration, Volvo and Uber are ready to show off their jointly developed production car capable of driving by itself. This follows several prototypes which were built with the goal of sussing out the companies’ self-driving car development efforts. The Volvo XC90 presented today is the first production car that, in combination with Uber’s self-driving system, is allegedly capable of fully driving itself. Your author would like to take a moment to welcome his new robot overlords. An array of sensors peppered atop and built into the vehicle are designed for Uber’s self-driving system to safely operate the machine and maneuver it in an urban environment. Several back-up systems are built into the thing for both steering and braking functions plus a dose of battery back-up power. Before you rush out and throw away your driving shoes, know that even though the companies say this machine is capable of handling driving duties all on its own, they aren’t ready to let it drive to the market on its own just yet. After describing the car, they go on to say that when paired with Volvo’s vehicle platform, Uber’s self-driving system may one day allow (emphasis mine) for safe, reliable autonomous ridesharing without the need for a Mission Specialist. A Mission Specialist, if you’re wondering, is the human bag of meat hired by Uber to sit behind the wheel and take command should things go awry. The team says they are specially trained Uber employees “operating and overseeing the car” in areas designated and suitable for autonomous driving. Volvo Cars plans to use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its future autonomous drive cars in the early 2020s. These technologies will apparently include features designed to enable unsupervised autonomous drive in clearly designated areas such as highways and ring roads. Let’s hope these robot overlords are more like the sentient characters in the movie Cars and less like the psychotic transport trucks in Stephen King’s Maximum
Origin: Volvo and Uber show off production-ready self-driving vehicle
Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
New images show the Mountiaq pick-up concept that Skoda will showcase in June as part of a student training programme. The two-door Kodiaq-based off-roader has been developed by 35 students aged between 17 and 20 from the Skoda Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering, based at the Czech firm’s Mladá Boleslav base. It will be the sixth vehicle developed as part of an annual Skoda Student Concept Car project, and there is no production intent for the machine. The students were given the Kodiaq SUV as a starting point for the project, but have reworked it extensively over the course of 2000 hours. Preview images show a heavy redesign from the Kodiaq, and that the SUV’s cabin will be shortened to end behind the front seats, with the rear reshaped to incorporate a small, illuminated pick-up bed and fully functioning tailgate. The concept also features off-road-inspired styling elements such as 17in wheels, an air intake snorkel, roof-mounted light-bar, winch and bullbar. A 10cm suspension lift and chunky deep-tread tyres hint at the model’s performance potential off the Tarmac. Inside, features unique to the Mountiaq include a pair of walkie-talkies, an integrated refrigerator and an illuminated rendering of the brand’s logo incorporated into the headlining. The Mountiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 187bhp. Skoda chief designer Oliver Stefani helped guide the students in the early stages of the project. Skoda has offered vocational training courses at its factory for more than 90 years, and introduced the concept car projects as a way of showcasing the skills students can learn. Previous projects include a Citigo-based Citijet, a Fabia pick-up, a coupé reworking of the Rapid Spaceback, an electric Citigo concept and a Karoq-based convertible called the
Origin: Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
B.C. car show scene hits top gear
Cams favourite car on the planet, a first generation Acadian, Pontiac Canadas answer to the Chevy II.Cam Hutchins Want proof the car show season is hitting top gear? There are no less than 19 events this weekend, along with a couple of unconfirmed events that didn’t make my roundup. Not exactly sure of my plans this weekend but Friday’s slalom in Pitt Meadows seems like a no-brainer, and as I’ve yet to make it out to a Friday night street car race this year that should be on the list too. As I’ve written may times, the B.C. car community is the best in the world, and last weekend that was proven again to me. My niece’s Grandpa isn’t doing well, and when asked if he had any last requests all he wanted was to go for a ride in a convertible. Since our Healey is a bit small, I put the word out and in less than 20 minutes I had lots of cars and their owners available. Needless to say, I am humbled by and grateful for the response. Last weekend’s 50th annual Coastal Swap Meet was crawling with all kinds of carnuts, one being Tom Spouse who built and raced a homebuilt ‘Skoda Special’ at the old Abbotsford Airport road race course in the Fifties. Tatras and Skoda used to be sold in Vancouver before the Iron Curtain dropped. But it was a car that had me dropping to my knees at the swap meet. A white, two-door, first generation Acadian, the exact car I had looked for before getting my classic Chevy truck. And there was no shortage of cool old cars for sale, including an Edsel, a 1940 Ford Deluxe and a dilapidated 1964 Chevelle that ‘runs and drives.’ Inside vendors were offering all sorts of cool stuff, and I grabbed a few magazines featuring stories on the early days of Bonneville Speedweek. August of 1949 was the first running of the famed event for hot rods as they were delegated to the hottest week of the year. But they proved tougher than the big budget streamliners who ruled the salt up until then. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Bonneville Speedweek so I encourage all of my carnut friends to think about this for a great summer road trip. You will not be disappointed, especially if you take a kid with you! SHOWS MAY 31-JUNE 2 What: 17th Annual Saanich Firefighters Rock Roll for Little Souls Invitational Car Show Where: GR Pearkes Recreation Centre, Victoria When: Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: By donation Website: rockforlittlesouls.com What: Cactus Jalopies Desert Wine Tour 2019 When: Friday: 6 p.m. Welcome Reception at Gyro Park. Registration, Garage Tour, Wine Tour and Poker Run, Garage Tour all starting at host hotel, Watermark Beach Resort. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cactus Jalopies Show Shine at Gyro Beach. Sunday: Wine Country Racing Assoc. Drag Racing at Osoyoos Airport. Gates open at 9 a.m. Time Trials at 10 a.m. Racing at 1 p.m. Info: 778-870-7012, morgan@serenapr.com or cactus.jalopies@gmail.com Website: cactusjalopies.ca or winecountryracing.ca JUNE 1 What: Burnaby Hats Off Day Show Shine Where: Hastings Street between Gamma and Willingdon When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Alpha Secondary (Alpha/Parker). $20 for vehicles, $10 for motorcycles, with proceeds donated to Burnaby Community Services. Open to all classics, hot rods and motorcycles. Info: 604-294-8899, 604-802-0490, bonnie.game@gmail.com Website: hatsoffday.com What: Jaguar and Friends In The Meadows Show Where: Harris Road Sport Park, Pitt Meadows When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: Early bird registration fee is $25 for first car, $15 for second car. On site registration fee is $35 Info: 604-465-7244, silver007@telus.net or jsmethurst@uniserve.com What: 6th Annual British Invasion Car Show Where: Douglas Park, Langley When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: All British car welcome but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. $15 with proceeds to the Langley Food Bank Info: 604-240-1847, g.parkinson@eastlink.ca, 604-838-2145 or milesfamily@telus.net Website: oecc.ca/vcb What: Clinton Auto Swap Meet Admission: Free Info: 250-319-8289 or pioneerservice@bcwireless.com What: Canal Days Cruise-In Burn Out Pit Where: Canal Flats, Columbia Valley When: Car Show Noon to 4 p.m. Burnout Pit 5 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: Car Show $20 per vehicle. Car Show/Burnout pit $25 per vehicle, Burnout Pit $10 per vehicle. Open to all types of vehicles Info: 250-919-2104, sjacpronk@hotmail.com or 250-341-5209 What: 10th Revelstoke Mountain Paradise Show Shine Where: Downtown Revelstoke When: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free (no dogs or bikes please) Registration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehicles Info: 250-814-7087 JUNE 2 What: 31st anniversary Model A Sunday Where: Farm Museum, Fort Langley When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: Drop in after 9 a.m. Open to Model As and Ts and any make older than 1932 Info: 604 856-9796 What: Hefley Creek Show Shine
Origin: B.C. car show scene hits top gear
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